Amplifier arrangement



July 31, 1951 J. A. RADO AMPLIFIER ARRANGEMENT Filed March 27, 1946 FIG. 2

INVENTOR.

JOHN A. RADO, R

Zfi AT RNEY.

FIG.3

Fatented Juiy 31 1951 AMPLIFIER ARRANGEMENT John A. Rado, Nutley,,N. J.,,assig nor to llazeltine Research, Inc., Chicag Illinois 0, 111., a corporation of 1 Application March 27, 1946, Serial No. 657,398

6 Claims. 1

- This invention relates, in general, to amplifier arrangements and is particularlydirected to the improvement of voltage regulation in such arrangements. The invention is subject to a wide variety of applications and may be relied'upon, for example, to. obtain improved regulation in pulse-modulated amplifier systems or in pushpull circuits wherein each of thepush-pull connected tubes maybe said to have pulse operation. The expression pulse operation is here used generically to include such familiar modes of operation as Class B, Class C, or pulse modulation.

Vacuum-tube circuits designed for-pulse operation are well known in the art. By way of illustration, an amplifier system :for pulse-modulated signals of positive polarity may comprisea vacuum tube normally biased to cutoff and having an input circuit for receiving pulse-modulated signals as well as an output circuit from which the amplified signals may be derived. vAn amplifier of this type is frequently employed to supply an excitation potential to the oscillatory system of a power transmitterintended for pulse-modulated operation.

Where the described amplifier system hasa conventional power supply, it is found that the direct current component varies with the repeti= tion frequency of the pulse modul tted signals, causing an undesirable variation in the anodecathode potential of the amplifiertube. Usually, the cathode is maintained at ground potential and the'anode potential tends to decrease as the repetition frequency increases. ;'I;he resulting variation in anode-cathode potential represents poor regulationand causes the power output of the amplifier to change with the-repetition :frequency which is undesirable for most installations.

Arrangements of the type mentioned above are sometimes equipped with elaborate regulated power supplies toavoid the tendency toward power variations with changes in repetition frequency. However, such regulated powersupply systems are .unduly complicated and expensive when constructed to alford close regulation in pulse-modulated signal-translating circuits.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an amplifier-arrangement especially suited forpulseoperationand which avoids one or more of the aforementioned limitations of prior arrangements.

It is another object of the invention to provide an'amplifier-arrangement suitedgf rpulse operation and havingaan improved voltage re u ation.

It is a specific object of the invention topro vi de an amplifier arrangement ,for pulse operation including a simplified and inexpensive voltage: regulating system.

An .amplifier arrangement for translating pulse-modulated signals, in accordance withthe present invention, comprises an electron-die: charge device, having an anode, a cathode, d a control electrode. \An anode-cathode circit is provided for the discharge de i e ndir clugles a first and second source o ilnidirecti 1 pgtential connected with opposed polarities and havingsuchrelative magnitudes as to establish e pr ete mined pot ntial difference eiweenihe anode and cathode. Bhe arrangement has means for applying signals to the cathode and eontrgl electrode of the discharge device for translation therethrough. The arrangement includes means coupled to theaboveementioned control electrode for integrating the applied signals tp developa control voltage havin an amplitude determined by the amplitude and repetition frequency of the aforesaid signals. It also has a control system responsive to the aforesaid control voltage for varying the effective ma nitude of the smaller one of the potential sources to compensate, at least in part, variations in the potentialdifierence betwe'en the anode andcathode resulting from translation of the applied signals.

For a better understanding of ,the present vention, together with other and further b-lQGts thereof, reference is had to the iollowingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, andits scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a signal-translating arrangement embodying the invention in one ior n; 2 1san arrangement similar to that pf Fig. l but includingthe invention in am ldifiediorm; whileFig. .3 represents .a zpushspull system having a iLQltas regulator constructed accordance with .tn invention.

Referrin now-morenartie llerl i ig -.1 ther is represented a signa -tra s ting arran ement inaccordance with the-pres n e t on ne i-ire i pu t i al 1 H an piiipil te mina s .1 2, 13. The arrangemen will be considered as mp ifi o amplifvieeruhesiem applied input terminals til, ltand for supplying to its outpu erm nal l am .eie alesuiieble for controlling apparatus intendedto respond to pulse sig a s. suc a e pu edu ted powe smit e h a rangeme om rise a le o -dischar e d v e 4 show -e tub .91

the beam-power type having an anode, a cathode, a screen, beaming electrodes and a control electrode. Tube 14 has an anode-cathode circuit including a first and a second source of unidirectional potential connected with opposed polarities and having such relative magnitudes as to establish a predetermined potential difference between the anode and the cathode. More specifically, an anode-ground circuit is provided for the tube and includes a first source Of potential indicated +B1 for establishing an anode potential that is positive with reference to the cathode. This source is connected with the anode through a filter choke l5 and the primary winding of a pulse transformer l6, H. The source is bypassed in conventional manner by a condenser 3, which simultaneously smooths the powersupply ripple and by-passes signal currents. The anode-cathode circuit of tube It is completed by way of a cathode-ground circuit including a second source of potential indicated +B2. The high-potential terminal of source +32 is connected to the cathode of the tube through a resistor l9 and is by-passed by a condenser 20. The negative terminals of each source B1 and B2 are grounded so that the sources are connected with opposed polarities in the anodecathode circuit of tube 14. The source +Bz is lower in voltage than the source +131 so that the cathode is at a less positive potential than the anode by a predetermined desired potential difference.

The arrangement has means for applying pulse-modulated signals of positive polarity to the control electrode of tube M with respect to its cathode for translation therethrough. This means includes a second pulse transformer 2|, 22 the primary winding of which is connected with input terminals [0, H while its secondary winding is connected between the cathode and control electrodes of tube l4 through a blocking condenser 23. A source of bias potential Ec is connected with the control electrode of the tube by way of the secondary winding of transformer 2|, 22 and has such value as normally to maintain the tube at or beyond anode current cuton. Amplified signals translated through the tube are delivered to output terminals l2, 13 through the transformer l6, I! having a secondary winding directly connected with these output terminals.

In order to regulate the anode-cathode potential of tube [4 in accordance with the teachings of the invention, the arrangement under consideration has a control system responsive to the applied signals for varying the efiective magnitude of the smaller potential source +32 to compensate, at least in part, variations in the potential difference between the anode and cathode otherwise resulting from an increase of average anode current attendant upon the translation of the applied signals. This control system includes a second electron-discharge device, specifically a triode vacuum tube 25. The anode and cathode of tube 25 are connected across the source +B2 and its condenser 20 and provide a conductive path thereacross during operating intervals in which tube 25 is rendered conductive. Normally, the tube is maintained in a monconductive state by the bias source -Ec since the control electrode of tube 25 has a direct current connection with the control electrode of tube M. This connection between the control electrodes of tubes [4 and 25 provides means for applying the input signals to tube25 'to control the con- .control electrodes of tubes l4 and '25.

ductivity thereof as required to effect the desired voltage regulation in a manner to be made clear presently.

In considering the operation of the described arrangement, assume initially that no signals are applied at input terminals [0, II. For this condition, condenser I8 is chargedto the value of source +B1, establishing "a desired. anode potential which is positivewith reference to ground. Similarly, condenser 20 is charged to the value of source +B2, causing the cathode potential of tube I4 to be positive with reference to ground but less positive than the anode by a predetermined desired amount. If a pulse-modulated signal be applied to the input terminals, each pulse thereof is delivered with positive polarity to the These tubes are rendered conductive and the applied signal is amplified by tube [4 and supplied to output terminals [2, i3 in the usual manner. The translation of each pulse by tube [4 effects a slight discharge of condenser l8 and thus tends to reduce its own anode'potential. However, tube 25 completes a shunt path around condenser 20 to discharge this condenser a like amount. The discharging of condenser 20 reduces the effective magnitude of the source +B2 as applied to the cathode of tube l4 and is such as to compensate the variation in anode potential of tube It resulting from the translation of the applied pulse. In other words, tube 25 is rendered conductive by the applied signal and provides a closed conductive path associated with the source +Bz and its condenser 20 for the duration of each pulse of the applied signal. The flow of current from source +32 and condenser 20 through this shunt path decreases the potential of the cathode of tube I4 to an extent which compensates the reduction of anode potential provoked by the translation of the applied signal by tube [4. In this manner the average anode-cathode potential difference of tube I4 is maintained substantially constant. It is, of course, possible to proportion the arrangement to under-, exactly, or over-compensate for voltage regulation as may be desired.

The described arrangement may be considered as operating in a pulse-by-pulse fashion in which the effective value of the smaller source +B2 is adjusted within the duration of each translated pulse to the extent required to effect the desired compensation. Conpensation may be achieved for a wide range of repetition frequencies of the applied pulses. For this purpose the charging and discharging time constants of condenser 20 are selected to be substantially the same as the charging and discharging time constants of condenser l8.

The arrangement of Fig. 2 represents what is considered to be the preferred form of the invention. It is disclosed in conjunction with a translating circuit similar to that of Fig. l,corresponding components thereof being identified by the same reference characters. In Fig. 2, tube 25 is responsive to an amplitude characteristic, namely, the average amplitude value of the applied signals for controlling the effective value of the smaller source +B2 to compensate variations in the anode potential of tube 14. To this end, an integrating circuit is included in the Fig. 2 arrangement. It comprises a diode detector 30 connected across the secondary winding of pulse transformer 2 I, 22 by way of a time-constant load circuit in the form of a resistor 3| and a parallel-. connected condenser. 32. The integrating. circuit lias: a. fast-charging timeconstant: and. a; charge-time constant that is longxwith. reference to the period between. the succeeding: pulses-ciathe applied pulse-modulated signals. Elements 3| and 32 of the integrating circuit develop and..

apply to the control electrode of tube: 25 a control voltage of positive polarity having an amplitude determined by the amplitude and: repetition frequency of the-applied signals; The control voltage controls the conductivity of tube-25 to vary the cathode potential of tube 14' and maintain its anode cathodepotential substantially constant.

Where the applied signals have constant-amp litud'es' but variable repetition frequencies,- it is"- apparent that the average direct current component' oftube Hi varies directly with therepetitibn frequency. Variations in the" direct current. components produce corresponding varia-- frequency of the appli'ecf pulses.

with the repetition frequency'ofthe' applied signals; rendering the tube more conductive for signals of higher repetition rates. Thus, as tube 25 is rendered more conductive, it decreases the cathode potential of tube f4 compensating for the? corresponding decrease in the anode potential to maintain a substantially constant excitation potential. The operation of the Fig. 2 arrangement diif'ers from that of'Fig. 1' in two respects. First, tube 25 in'the usual case is conductive during the intervalbetween pulses of the applied signals, whereasin Fig. I tube 25 is conductive only during the pulse intervals. Seeondly, the pulse current of. tube [4; is translated primarily by condenser in Fig. 2; but is carrri'ed. primarily by tube in Fig. 1.

For one embodiment of the Fig. 2 arrangement the following. circuit elements and conditions may be used:

Tube I4 Type 31321.

Variation in average plate current of tube l4 over range of repetition frequencies 0-10 milliamperes The application of the invention to a circuit of the push-pull type is illustrated in Fig. 3. Ex-

cept for the necessary push-pull circuit connections, the arrangement is generally the same as that of Fig. 2 and corresponding components are designated by the same reference characters. The push-pull tubes are indicated [4 and I4. Their anodes are connected to opposite ends of the primary winding of transformer I6, I! while their control electrodes are connected in similar fashion to the secondary winding of transformer 2|, 22. Condensers 23 and 33 connect the tube conductive for no more than. one-half: cycle :of.

an. applied. alternating. current-signalso that. each 1 tube may be considered. to have: pulse operation. as defined above. The integrating circuit, in-- eluding diode 30 controls the cathode potentialof each tube as described in connection withFig'. 2 to maintain a substantially constant anode-- cathode excitation potential.

- Voltage regulation isaccomplished ill-each or the described arrangements'through a relative- 1y simple and inexpensive regulating system-.

ments' of this invention, it will be obvious co-those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be'made therein without depart-- ing fromthe invention, and it is, therefore, aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Whatis claimed is:

-l-. An amplifier arrangement for translating pulse-modulated signals comprising, an electron discharge device having an anode, a cathode andacontrol electrode, an anode-cathode circuit for said-device including a first and'a second source of unidirectional potential connected with opposed polarities and having such relative magnitudes by the amplitude and repetition frequency of said signals, and a control system responsive to said:

control voltage for varying the effective 'magni tude of the smaller one of said potential sources tocompensate at least in part variations in the" potential difference between said anode and oath.-

ode resulting from the translation of said signals.

2'. An amplifier arrangement for translatingv pulse-modulated signals comprising, an electrondischarge device having an an'ode,. a cathode and a control electrode, an anode-cathode circuit for said device including a first and a second source of unidirectional potential connected with op posed polarities and having such relative magnitudes as to establish a predetermined potential difference between said anode and cathode, means for applying signals to said cathode and control electrode of said device for translation therethrough, means including a rectifier device for integrating said applied signals to develop a control voltage having an amplitude determined by the amplitude and repetition frequency of said signals, and a control system responsive to said control voltage for providing a closed conductive path across the smaller one of said potential sources to vary the effective magnitude of said smaller source and compensate at least in part variations in the potential difference between said anode and cathode resulting from the translation of said signals.

8. An amplifier arrangement for translating pulse-modulateclsignals comprising, an electrondischarge device having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode, an. anode-cathode circuit for said device. including a first and a second sourceof unidirectional potential connected with opposed polarities and having such relative mag-- nitudes as to establish a predetermined potential difference between said anode and cathode, means for applying signals to said cathode and control electrode of said device for translation therethrough, a second electron-discharge device connected across the smaller one of said potention sources, means including a resistor and a parallel-connected condenser for integrating said applied signals tojdevelop a control voltage having an amplitude determined by the amplitude and repetition frequency of said signals, and means for applying said control voltage to said second device to control the conductivity thereof and vary the effective magnitude of said smaller source to compensate at least in part variations in the potential difference between said anode and cathode resulting from the translation of said signals.

4. An amplifier arrangement for translating pulse-modulated signals of positive polarity comprising, an electron-discharge device having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode, an

anode-cathode circuit for said device including a first and a second source of unidirectional potential connected with opposed polarities and having such relative magnitudes as to establish a predetermined potential difference between said anode and cathode, a biasing source for normally maintaining said device substantially at anodev system responsive to said control voltage for decreasing the efiective magnitude of the smaller one of said potential sources to compensate at least in part variations in the potential difier ence between said anode and cathode resulting from the translation of said signals.

5., An amplifier arrangement for translating pulse-modulated signals comprising, a first electron-discharge device having an anode, a cathode'and a control electrode, an anode-cathode circuit for said device including a first and a second source of unidirectional potential connected with opposed polarities and having such relative magnitudes as to establish a predetermined potential difference between said anode and cathode, a biasing source for normally maintaining said de- 8'' Vice substantially at anode current cutoiflmean's. for applying. signals to said cathode and control electrodeof said device for .translation there-. through,- a second electron-discharge device connected across the'smaller one of said potential sources, means for integrating said applied signals to develop a control voltage having an amplitude determined bythe amplitude and repetition frequency of said signals, and a control system for utilizing said control voltage to control the, conductivity of said second device to vary the effective magnitude of said'smaller source and compensate at least in part variations in the potential difference between 'said anode and cathode resulting from the translation of said signals.

6. An amplifier arrangement for translating pulse-modulated signals comprising, an electrondischarge device having an anode, a cathode and a control electrode, an anode circuit for said de-' vice including a first source of unidirectional po'-,

tential for establishing a positive anode potential, a cathode circuit for said device including a second source of unidirectional potential for establishing a cathode potential that is less positive than said anode potential by a predetermined po-' tential difference, means for applying signals to said cathode and control electrode of said device for translation therethrough, means including a rectifier device and a time-constant load network for integrating said applied signals to develop a control voltage having an amplitude'determined by the amplitude and repetition frequency of said signals, and a control system responsive to said control voltage for varying the effective magnitude of said second potential source to compenr sate at least in part variations of said anode potential resulting from the translation of said signals.

JOHN A. RADO.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name. Date 1,857,901 Walsh May 10, 1932. 2,032,193 White Feb. 25, 1936 2,232,212 Cary Feb. 18, 1941 2,392,415 Soller Jan. 8, 1946 2,404,099 Schade July 16, 1946. 2,431,973 E. L. C. White Dec. 2, 1947- FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 413,390 Great Britain July 19, 1934 540,834 Great Britain Oct. 31, 1941 

